Taho (Filipino Silken Tofu with Syrup and Sago)
Taho is a beloved Filipino snack featuring delicate silken tofu, sweet brown sugar syrup, and chewy tapioca pearls. This warm, comforting treat is naturally vegan and easy to prepare at home for a taste of the Philippines.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 35 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 900 gsilken tofu, extra-firm
- 0.25 cuptapioca pearl, small
sago cooking
- 2 cupwater
arnibal
- 0.5 cupbrown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cupwater
- 0.5 tspvanilla extract(optional)
Equipment
saucepan · bowls · steamer · spoon
The method
Step by step
- 1
Gently remove the silken tofu from its packaging and place it in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth or parchment paper.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Handle silken tofu very carefully as it is fragile.
- 2
Steam the tofu over boiling water for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Keep it warm while you prepare the other components.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the water in the pot does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
- 3
In a small saucepan, bring the water for sago cooking to a boil.
About 3 min
- 4
Add the tapioca pearls to the boiling water, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent with only a tiny white dot in the center.
About 12 min
Cook’s note: The cooking time for tapioca pearls can vary by brand, so check the package instructions.
- 5
Remove the cooked tapioca pearls from heat, drain them, and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
About 1 min
- 6
For the arnibal (syrup), combine the brown sugar and water for arnibal in a separate small saucepan.
About 1 min
- 7
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and the syrup slightly thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Do not boil too vigorously, as it can crystalize the sugar.
- 8
Remove the arnibal from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
About 1 min
- 9
To serve, gently scoop spoonfuls of the warm silken tofu into individual bowls.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: A wide, flat spoon works best for scooping the delicate tofu.
- 10
Top generously with the cooked tapioca pearls and drizzle with the warm arnibal.
Cook’s note: Serve immediately for the best experience.
Keep it good
Store leftover tofu, tapioca pearls, and syrup separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat tofu in a steamer or microwave, warm tapioca pearls with a splash of water, and gently warm syrup on the stovetop before serving.
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